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waecE-LEARNING
Economics Paper 2, Nov/Dec. 2014  
Questions: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Main
General Comments
Weakness/Remedies
Strength
Question 3

   
  1. What is efficiency of labour?
  2.   Explain any four factors that can affect the efficiency of labour.
  3.    Distinguish between geographical mobility of labour and occupational mobility   of labour.

 

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Observation

A good number of candidates attempted this question and scored relatively high marks. Candidates were required to define efficiency of labour, explain any four factors   affecting efficiency of labour and distinguish between geographical mobility of labour and occupational mobility of labour.
Most of the candidates provided answers to the question but a few of them missed   the key word ‘ease’ while distinguishing between geographical mobility of labour and occupational mobility of labour . Candidates were expected to answer thus:

  1. Efficiency of labour refers to the relationship between quantity of output which can       be obtained when labour is combined with other factors of production.

 

(b)  (i)         Working environment

                        The environment under which production takes place greatly affects productivity.
                        A well - ventilated work place can help increase production and efficiency.
                        A factory premises with dust and poor ventilation can affect labour efficiency.

(ii)        Working relationships

                        The kind of working relationships existing between the worker and employer
                         can affect labour efficiency.  Dissatisfaction resulting from troubles
                        or misunderstanding between workers and employers reduces efficiency.

            (iii)       Quality and quantity of other factors

                        Labour productivity will be high if the quality and quantity of tools labour works
                        with are high.  A worker may be well - educated and trained , but if the tools are
                        obsolete and inadequate, productivity will be affected.

            (iv)       Wages and system of payment

                        In most cases, wages influence labour efficiency because it motivates labour to                              work hard.  If the wage rate is reasonable, financial frustration will be reduced.
Besides, efficiency is enhanced if the worker is paid regularly.

            (v)        Education and training

                        A well-educated and well-trained  labour force will be more efficient than
 untrained labour.
           
            (vi)       Health status of the workers

                        A healthy worker will put up his best at work than labour that is unhealthy or
                        frequently sick.
           
            (vii)      Application of division of labour/specialization

                        Where this is applied in a work environment, efficiency of labour increases.

 

            (viii)     Job security and welfare for services

                        If there is job security and enhanced welfare services, labour is encouraged                                    to put up its best.

            (ix)       Weather conditions.

                        Where weather conditions are favourable, labour tends to be more efficient.

(c)        Geographical mobility of labour refers to the ease with which labour moves from one
             location to another, while occupational mobility of labour refers to the ease with which

            labour moves from one job to another.
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